Cascade softball team advances to NEA-CTL crossover

The 2019 season is not over for the Cascade High softball team just yet.

The Lady Kodiaks softball team advanced to the next stage of the postseason after a close 11-10 win over Chelan to finish second in the District 6 tournament.

With the game tied at 9-9 in the bottom of the fifth, Kaija Lovelady doubled to bring in two runs to once again give Cascade the lead. The Lady Goats added one run in the sixth to cut Cascade's lead to one run. 

The Lady Kodiaks opened with a two-run lead in the second inning, the first on on a stolen base followed by Truh Merriman’s base hit. The Lady Goats answered with three runs in the third for a 3-2 lead. Cascade answered with a run in the bottom of the frame to tie the score.

At 3-3 in the fifth inning, Chelan scored six runs in the top of the frame. Cascade responded with six of their own to tie the game at nine apiece.

Sarah Paulson earned the pitching win after she took over for starter Renee Lambert.

The Lady Kodiaks tallied 13 hits with Lovelady leading the pack at 4-for-4 with a double, two RBIs and two runs scored. Merriman was 3-for-5 with two RBIs. Lambert and Alondra Acevedo collected multiple hits.

Head Coach Todd Gilbert said Cascade struggled with inconsistent defense in the early part of the game, though he commended Lambert for her job behind the circle and Paulson for taking the mound halfway through the contest.

Prior to the Chelan win, Cascade endured a 6-4 loss to Okanogan in the District 6 title game.

With the game tied at one run apiece, the Lady Kodiaks got their bats going in the second inning, with three runs from Merriman’s double. A rowdy Okanogan team answered with four runs in the third inning to take a 5-4 lead and added an insurance run in the fifth.

Gilbert said the team played well for most of the game, save the third inning

“We didn’t hit the ball well and had runners on base, but they made it hard on us,” he added. “They have one of the best catchers in the district and you’re going to steal on her.”

Lambert, Paulson, Madison Hardy and Kayla Bittle collected hits. Paulson took the loss on the mound, allowing seven runs on five hits and striking out nine batters. 
“It wasn’t the prettiest day of Kodiak softball, but I’m happy for the seniors to experience an extra week of playing, with an opportunity to advance to state," Gilbert said. "And the rest of the team as well."

Cascade will travel to Colville on May 18 for a crossover game with Northeast A League’s Lady Indians. Colville finished third with an 8-4 conference record during their regular season. If the Lady Kodiaks win, they will advance to the first round of the 1A Softball State Championships, May 25-26.